Which leather is suitable for good leather duffle bags?

There are essentially two types of leather that are suitable for making duffle bags: cowhide leather and buffalo leather, provided you value an authentic product without plastic coating. Other types of leather such as pigskin, goat leather, or lambskin achieve the required strength and stability only through the use of foam padding, which is glued to the leather with textile adhesive.

Goat leather, in particular, is of poorest quality and cheapest. Goat leather itself has a thickness of only 0.5-1mm and would have the stability and consistency of a paper bag without foam padding.

For our duffle bags, we exclusively use full-grain and vegetable-tanned cowhide or buffalo leather. These high-quality leather types have a thickness of up to 7mm and maintain their shape even without plastic coating.

What exactly is a leather duffle bag?

Leather duffle bags are large, elongated bags with short carrying handles used for storing clothing. Duffle bags are part of classic travel luggage and are the ideal piece of luggage for a weekend trip or a short vacation of up to 7 days. Leather duffle bags are available in various sizes, from small to large. Typically, these bags are closed with a long horizontal zipper. To facilitate the transport of the leather duffle bag, all of our bags come with a detachable shoulder strap.

An alternative term for a leather duffle bag is a weekend bag or leather weekender. Leather duffle bags are usually unisex and can be worn by both women and men alike. Compared to suitcases, leather duffle bags are often more flexible and lightweight. They combine functionality with the elegant and high-quality look of leather.

What makes a good leather duffle bag?

A high-quality leather duffle bag should embody durability and a timeless design. Ideally, it can even be passed down from generation to generation. Our exclusive leather duffle bags are inspired by the designs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which still have a significant influence on the design of leather goods today. The material of the duffle bag should be durable and preferably made of natural materials to ensure high quality.

What features should a leather duffle bag have?>

Size, Dimensions, and Volume:

Make sure that the leather duffle bag provides enough space to store your clothes and personal belongings. Depending on the duration of your trip and personal needs, you can choose from different size options. Pay special attention to the carry-on luggage regulations of the respective airline, especially for air travel.

Materiality and Durability:

Choose a duffle bag made of high-quality and durable material, such as sturdy leather. This ensures that your duffle bag can withstand the rigors of travel and guarantees long-term durability. Over time, your leather bag will develop a beautiful patina.

Carrying Options:

Check if the leather duffle bag offers various carrying options, such as a detachable shoulder strap and carrying handles. This allows you to carry the bag comfortably and flexibly, according to your individual preferences and needs.

Practical Compartments:

Consider whether you prefer a leather duffle bag with different compartments and organizational options to keep your clothes and items organized. Duffle bags with interior and exterior pockets, zipper compartments, or separate shoe compartments can help you keep the contents tidy and well-organized.

Colour and Design:

Choose a leather duffle bag that matches your personal style and preferences. We offer a diverse range of products, materials, designs, and colours to meet your individual taste and ensure that your leather duffle bag is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Which leather duffle bags are the best?

The duffle bags from the brand DRAKENSBERG are distinguished by their exceptional quality. For us, sustainability is not just a marketing element but an integral design element. Our products are authentic and could have been made in a similar form 200 years ago. After all, plastic has only been around since the mid-19th century (1862).

So far, there is no manufacturer of travel bags that could serve as a role model for us. Even the most renowned brands in the industry still rely exclusively on conventional chrome tanning. Many manufacturers alter the surfaces of their leather bags or imply a higher material thickness through plastic lamination. The term "natural leather" is often used excessively but rarely applies. It often involves superficial uniformity and mere appearance.

In the 21st century, a top-quality duffle bag should evoke a good and honest feeling without making empty promises. In the production of our duffle bags, we largely avoid the use of plastics. Our leather is not laminated with plastic, and our outer fabrics do not contain synthetic fibres. The leather we use is sustainably and mostly vegetable-tanned, although a small amount of chrome is used.

How big should a leather duffle bag be?

Depending on the intended use, a length between 55 and 60 cm is ideal for a leather duffle bag. In this size range, the storage volume typically ranges from 40 to 60 litres. A rule of thumb is that you need about 10 litres of storage space for each day of travel. Therefore, a leather duffle bag with a volume of 40 litres should be sufficient for 3-4 days. Additionally, we offer other models in our range that can be expanded on the sides.

Does a leather duffle bag qualify as carry-on luggage?

A leather duffle bag is excellent for use as carry-on luggage for air travel. However, it is always important to check the specific regulations of the airline before departure. Small leather duffle bags with dimensions of up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm should generally not pose any problems. The measurements provided in our shop always correspond to the maximum allowable dimensions. If a leather duffle bag is not filled to the limit, a large portion of our range should also be suitable as cabin luggage.

In addition to size, weight is also crucial. Many airlines limit the weight of carry-on luggage to a maximum of 8 kg. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the weight of the leather duffle bag remains within this limit.

Which leather duffle bag for 1 week?

For vacations of up to one week, a leather duffle bag with a volume of 60 litres should be sufficient. You can find many different sizes in our shop.

Can leather duffle bags be used as checked luggage on flights?

Yes, leather duffle bags can be used as checked luggage on flights. However, we advise against it, as the leather bag could be visually affected. If the situation requires it, we recommend looking for a wrapping service at the airport and having your duffle bag wrapped in plastic film before check-in. Although this is not truly sustainable, it is an option in case of emergency.

It is also advisable to protect and organize the contents of your leather duffle bag before check-in. For example, use packing cubes or other organizational solutions to store your items neatly and minimize potential damage.

Also, make sure that the weight of your leather duffle bag complies with the airline's regulations for checked luggage to avoid additional fees. Familiarize yourself in advance with the weight restrictions and guidelines of the airline you are flying with.

Which leather duffle bag for 2 weeks?

For trips of two weeks, a leather duffle bag for both women and men may not be the optimal choice. Instead, a suitcase with a storage volume of 80-100 litres would be more practical. Unless the circumstances of the trip allow for space for two pieces of luggage, in which case two duffle bags with a volume of 40-60 litres each could be considered. For example, during a road trip. Currently, we offer leather duffle bags with a storage volume of up to 60 litres. However, some of our leather duffle bags can be expanded to 80 litres if needed.

Which leather duffle bag suits me?

We offer a diverse selection of different models of leather duffle bags for both women and men. Choosing the right purchase can be a small challenge. The following examples are intended to help you make a decision:

Leather duffle bags with integrated shoe compartment:

These bags are not only ideal for short business trips but also suitable as stylish companions for sports. Choose a leather duffle bag with a shoe compartment to store your shoes conveniently and separately from the rest of your clothes.

Leather weekenders for weekend trips:

These compact and handy bags are specifically designed for weekend trips. With a volume of approximately 40 to 60 litres, they provide sufficient space. Some models of leather weekenders can also serve as a practical alternative to carry-on suitcases for air travel.

Large leather duffle bags for longer vacations:

Our large leather duffle bags for both women and men are suitable not only for city trips or short getaways but also for longer vacations. If you are traveling for more than 5 days, an XL leather duffle bag with a volume of 60 litres is often a good alternative to a suitcase.